Celeb Savant

DJ Zan-D - a South African music producer, radio presenter, and club DJ - joins us live in studio on this episode of Celeb Savant. He takes us across the airwaves as he tells us about his multi-decade career in the media space… how he started DJing at events as a teenager, his experience of living in London for 6 years, then returning to South Africa and creating a successful career in the media and DJ performance world. This episode of Celeb Savant was recorded live in studio at Solid Gold Podcasts, Johannesburg, South Africa. Instagram - @djzand Facebook - @djzand Twitter - @DjZanD TikTok - @djzand YouTube - @DjZanD

James Artissen - an American Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, record producer, and audio engineer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. James explains how as a teenager he had the opportunity to be mentored by artists such as Whodini and DJ Jazzy Jeff, his process of producing and writing songs for other artists (including Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, and Wiz Khalifa) and about creating and releasing his own solo projects. Website - www.jamesartissen.com Instagram - @jamesartissen Facebook - @jamesartissenmusic Twitter - @jamesartissen TikTok - @jamesartissen YouTube - @JamesArtissen

Dwson - a South African DJ, producer, artist, and remixer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Known as the beat architect of SA's deep house scene, Dwson tells us how he chose his stage name, and how he progressed from being a mobile DJ to a two x DMASA-winning and SAMA-nominated producer and artist… he also explains the movement he started - Dope Room. Instagram - @dwsonofficial Facebook - @dwsonofficial Twitter - @dwsonofficial TikTok - @dwsonofficial YouTube - @dwsonofficial

Shekhinah - a South African singer, songwriter, and multi SAMA award-winning artist - joins us live in studio for this episode of Celeb Savant. Shekhinah explains what it means to live the life of a pop star, her experience on Idols SA, why she takes her time when it comes to creating music, and what's coming up next. This episode of Celeb Savant was recorded live in studio at Solid Gold Podcasts in Johannesburg, South Africa. Website - www.shekhinahd.com Instagram - @shekhinahd Facebook - @shekhinahd Twitter - @shekhinahd TikTok - @shekhinahd YouTube - @shekhinah1229

Keithian - an American singer, songwriter, and producer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We dive into Keithian's world, which includes how he creates music, the difference between releasing an EP and an album, what he enjoys about performing live, and about his latest album - Human I Sinner. Website - www.keithian.music/overview Instagram - @iKeithian Facebook - @iKeithian TikTok - @iKeithian YouTube - @iKeithian

Riva Taylor - a British singer, songwriter, and actress - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear how she got her first record deal at the age of 12 under the name Becky Taylor, and why she reinvented herself as Riva. Plus, her time as a child and teenager in the very adult business of the music industry, taking a break to go to university, and her return to creating music. Website - www.rivataylor.com Instagram - @rivataylor Facebook - @rivataylorofficial Twitter - @IAmRivaTaylor TikTok - @iamrivataylor YouTube - @therivataylor

Nigel May - a British entertainment all-rounder who works on radio and TV and is a successful author and podcast host - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Nigel takes us through his multi-faceted career, which includes what he loves about interviewing others on his podcast 'A Gay Old Time' and on his radio show on Gaydio, his 20 years presenting Craft TV, and his journey becoming an author. We also discuss the world of the celebrity and the music charts. Website - www.nigelmay.net Instagram - @nigelmay Facebook - @nigel.may Twitter - @Nigel_May TikTok - @agayoldtime YouTube - @nigelmay5653

D:Ream - Peter Cunnah and Al MacKenzie from the Irish pop and dance group - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. The duo tells us about the origins of the band's name, how the band was formed, what motivates them to keep creating and performing after three decades in the industry, and more about their latest album, Do It Anyway. Website - www.d-ream.co.uk Instagram - @d_ream_music Facebook - @d.ream.co.uk Twitter - @d_ream_music TikTok - @d_ream_music

Limahl - a British singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Limahl takes us through his multi-decade career, which includes reaching the top of the charts in the band Kajagoogoo with their first song Too Shy, his experience of being used as clickbait, and what the effects are of having his music featured in current series such as Stranger Things. Website - www.limahl.com Instagram - @limahl_official Facebook - @limahlofficial Twitter - @Limahl_Official TikTok - @limahl.music.official YouTube - @Limahlonline

Black Motion - Thabo Mabogwane and Kabelo Koma from the multi SAMA award-winning Afro house duo - joins us live in studio on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear Thabo and Kabelo's individual stories, how they create music, how they prepare for their sets, and more about their events - Friends of Black Motion. This episode of Celeb Savant was recorded live in studio at Solid Gold Podcasts, Johannesburg, South Africa. Instagram - @realblackmotion Facebook - @realblackmotion Twitter - @Black_Motion TikTok - @officialblackmotion YouTube - @blkmotion

Sonny E. - a British-born, Austrian-based producer, DJ, and Cyberbilly artist - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Sonny has been in the industry for three decades, performing under various guises, one of which was Adamski. We hear how he released his first single with his brother at the age of 11, what Cyberbilly is, and even delve into the history of music. Instagram - @sonny_e_cyberbilly Facebook - @sonny.e.cyberbilly YouTube - @sonny_e_cyberbilly

Áine Duffy - an Irish singer, songwriter, and guitarist - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear how after college Áine travelled to experience the world, how she built herself a stage out of a donkey box during the pandemic, and in order for people to not touch her equipment, she put up the sign 'don't touch my knob'. Hearing about the lack of representation of female artists in Ireland, she has now created a show featuring female artists called 'Don't Touch my Knob'. Website - www.aineduffy.ie Instagram - @aineduffymusic Facebook - @aineduffymusic TikTok - @duffbox YouTube - @AineDuffymusic

Emily Ulman - an Australian singer, songwriter, and music festival executive program director - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. She tells us why it took her over a decade to release her latest project, Severe Clear… and takes us through the different roles she's had in the industry - highlighting programming music venues, festivals, and events, and her radio show, with the focus being on supporting local talent. Instagram - @millylala Facebook - @emilyulmanmusic Twitter - @millylala TikTok - @emilyulman YouTube - @emilyulman

Stars Go Dim (Chris Cleveland) - American Christian and pop singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Chris takes us through his multiple award-winning (CMT, ASCAP, NSAI etc.) journey, which includes focusing on positivity during times of failure, the way he creates music, and about his latest album, Roses. Website - www.starsgodim.com Instagram - @starsgodim Facebook - @starsgodim Twitter - @StarsGoDim TikTok - @starsgodim YouTube - @starsgodimmusic

Nina West - an American Drag Queen, performer, artist, and winner of Miss Congeniality on RuPaul's Drag Race - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Nina tells us how she chose her drag name, the behind-the-scenes of being a drag artist, about her time on RuPaul's Drag Race, and more about the current drag landscape. Website - www.ninawest.com Instagram - @ninawest Facebook - @superdragqueen1 YouTube - @NinaWestOfficial TikTok - @ninawestofficial

Kwamé - an American singer, rapper, and record producer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Kwame tells us how he signed his first record deal at the age of 16, why he prefers creating music by himself, about the toy company he co-founded called Lets Be Onyx, and more about his latest album - The Different Kids. Website - www.letsbeonyx.com Instagram - @kwamevision Facebook - @KWAMETHEBOYGENIUS TikTok - @kwamevision1 YouTube - @kwamevevo6931

John Sanderson - a British music executive and Head of Creative at Notting Hill Music - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. John tells us about his multi-decade career, which includes starting out as a DJ. He also shares about his time working at Disco Music Club, managing the production/remix team Love To Infinity, and he discusses the importance of networking and writing camps. Instagram - @johnsaundersonmusic Facebook - @johnsaunderson

Emeline - an American singer, songwriter, producer, and RIAA certified gold - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Emeline explains how as a child, she was a seriously competitive songwriter. Plus, how she stayed positive during the six years until she eventually got her foot in the door, her advice to achieve your biggest dreams, and all about her music. Facebook - @emelineisme Instagram - @emelineisme Twitter - @emelineisme TikTok - @emelineisme YouTube - @emelineisme

Hypaton - an Italian dance DJ, producer, and viral sensation - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Hypaton explains that his father was in a band in the ‘70s and had the same stage name, so he decided to carry on the tradition, and how he was inspired to follow the creative path by his cousin, Giuseppe Ottaviani - a trance DJ and producer. Plus, how going viral on social media helped him gain success, resulting in David Guetta becoming his mentor Website - www.hypaton76.com Instagram - @hypaton Facebook - @hypaton76 Twitter - @hypaton76 TikTok - @hypaton YouTube - @hypaton76

Chmba - a Malawian singer, songwriter, DJ, and producer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Chmba explains the meaning of her stage name, how she started out creating mixes for friends as a hobby before pursuing music professionally, and how the noises around her inspires her creativity. Her and Barret also bond over loadshedding. Instagram - @chmba Facebook - @chmbamusic Twitter - @ChmbaMusic TikTok - @chmbamusic YouTube - @chmba

Australian-based vocalist and instrumentalist Joana Lavole from The Witchy Djypsies joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Joana fills us in on the story behind the band's name, how she moved to Australia from the Caribbean, the journey of the band, what surprised her, what she loves about performing live and more! Website - www.witchydjypsies.com Instagram - @thewitchydjypsies Facebook - @TheWitchyDjypsies TikTok - @TheWitchyDjypsies YouTube - @thewitchydjypsies6784

Brazen Barbie - a Kenyan-Australian musician, artist, and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear how Brazen Barbie chose her stage name, why at first she didn't think it would be possible to release music professionally, her creative process, and more about her mixtape, Brazen. Instagram - @thabrazen Facebook - @jehmeela.dalton.9 Twitter - @BrazenBarbie TikTok - @BrazenBarbie YouTube - @brazenbarbiee

Felix Parker - from Australian alternative rock act, Cloning - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Felix tells us how the band chose their name, what aspect of being professionals in the industry surprised them, and more about what's coming next. Website - www.cloningmusic.com Instagram - @cloning_aus Facebook - @cloningaus TikTok - @cloningmusic YouTube - @CloningMusic

Shawn Desman - a Canadian singer, songwriter and Juno, MMVAs and SOCAN award-winning artist - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Shawn explains how he independently recorded his first Portuguese album at the age of 10, how he became the teenage Canadian Portuguese 'Justin Bieber', and how after stepping away from the industry, Drake convinced him to start creating music again. Website - www.shawndesman.com Instagram - @shawndesman Facebook - @ShawnDesmanOfficial TikTok - @shawndesman YouTube - @ShawnDesmanVEVO

Molly Hocking - a British singer, songwriter, and the winner of the 8th season of The Voice UK - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear how Molly joined a theatre group at the age of 8, which helped with her self-confidence, about her journey on The Voice UK, why she is grateful for all the doors that have closed along the way, and what is coming next. Website - www.mollyhocking.com Instagram - @molly.hocking.music Facebook - @justmollyhocking Twitter - @hocking_molly TikTok - @justmollyhocking YouTube - @Justmollyhocking

Maya Manuela - an American emerging singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Maya explains that she gave up college to pursue music in Nashville, why she shifted away from creating country music, her creative process, and all about her debut album - American Doll. Website - www.mayamanuela.com Instagram - @mayamanuela_ TikTok - @mayamanuela YouTube - @mayamanuela

Tommy Champion - an American genre-fluid music producer, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and sound designer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Tommy explains how moving to New York, and co-founding Carriage House Studio has allowed him to collaborate with artists in every available genre. We also hear how creating in different genres has inspired Tommy to focus on his own music, and more about his latest projects. Website - www.tommychampion.com Instagram - @tommychampion.wav Facebook - @tommychampionmusic TikTok - @tommychampion.wav YouTube - @tommychampion.mp4

Ashleigh Watson - an Australian upcoming independent retro soul singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear how Ashleigh joined the Motown soul band Sweethearts at the age of 14 until 22, where she was a mentor in the band, how studying jazz after school laid the foundation for the next phase of her career, and more about collaborating with Michael Cristiano for her latest project. Website - www.ashleighwatsonmusic.com Instagram - @ashleighwatsonmusic Facebook - @ashleighwatsonmusic YouTube - @AshleighWatsonMusic

Lauri Ylönen - a Finnish singer, songwriter, and musician from the multi-platinum selling band The Rasmus - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Lauri explains how, as a child, he started out playing piano and classical guitar, how the band was formed in 1994 when Lauri was 15 years old, how he became friends with and collaborated with Desmond Child, who wrote most of the songs he loved as a child, and all about the band's 11th studio album, Weirdo. Website - www.therasmus.com Instagram - @therasmusofficial Facebook - @therasmusofficial TikTok - @therasmusofficial YouTube - @TheRasmusOfficial

Vince Kelley - an American singer, actor, and performer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Vince takes us through his journey from going to the School of Performing Arts in NYC, why he prefers being on stage compared to acting in front of the camera, what he loves about performing in live theatre and all about portraying Blanche in Golden Girls - The Laughs Continue... Website - www.goldengirlstour.com Instagram - @vincekelley @goldengirlstour Facebook - @goldengirlstour

Charlotte Jackson Coleman - a British actress - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Charlotte tells us about studying journalism after school and being a successful television presenter on Sky Sports, ITV's 71 Degrees North, and more. We hear how having a role as a journalist on 'Keith Lemon: The Movie' allowed her to change her path and become a full-time actress, and about her latest project as Sammy on 'Secrets'. Instagram - @seecharlottej Twitter - @seecharlottej

Dynamyte - an American singer, songwriter, drummer and multi-instrumentalist - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Dynamyte says she started performing with her brother at the age of 8 under the stage name Michael & Marisa. They performed in the USA for a decade, including opening for Ariana Grande, Cody Simpson, and more. We hear about how she has moved into her solo project, how she creates music, and what's next. Website - www.dynamyte.com Instagram - @dynamyte Twitter - @callmedynamyte TikTok - @dynamyteofficial YouTube - @Dynamyte

Tilly Fenton - an Australian indie-pop singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Tilly explains how, as a child, she was taught classical piano, which she originally hated… but once she realised she could play her favourite songs, she started to enjoy it. We also hear how studying music and learning to play the guitar gave her the confidence to sing in front of others, about her creative process and more. Website - www.tillyfenton.com Instagram - @tilly.fenton TikTok - @tillyfent0n YouTube - @tillyfenton

Toby Gad, a German-born and American-based 3 x Grammy, Diamond, and NAACP Award-winning producer and songwriter, joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Toby talks about his award-winning career, which includes his first big break writing songs with his brother for the Milli Vanilli album, and how he creates songs - including massive hits for Fergie, Beyonce, John Legend and many more. We also hear about his latest project Piano Diaries, where Toby reimagines some of his biggest hits. Website - www.tobygad.com Instagram - @tobygadmusic Facebook - @toby.gad.7 Twitter - @tobygad TikTok - @tobygad YouTube - @tobygad

Thapelo Esau - a South African singer, songwriter, and producer - joins us live in studio for this episode of Celeb Savant. Thapelo takes us on her journey, honing her craft at school, becoming a top 9 finalist on SA Idols, losing her singing voice after having surgery on her vocal chords, and how she rebuilt her confidence and regained her singing voice to ultimately release her latest EP - Ms. Esau. This episode of Celeb Savant was recorded live in studio at Solid Gold Podcasts in Johannesburg, South Africa. Instagram - @thapelooesau Facebook - @IdolsSAThapeloEsau TikTok - @thapelooesau YouTube - @ThapeloEsau

Dimitris Nezis - a Greek independent singer, songwriter, and producer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We dive into Dimitris' award-winning career, which includes studying vocals and music theory, and releasing Greek music for over a decade before creating music in English. We also discuss the current music landscape and more! Website - www.dimitrisnezis.com Instagram - @dimitrisnezisofficial Facebook - @dimitrisnezisofficial Twitter - @dimitrisnezis TikTok - @dimitrisnezis YouTube - @dimitrisnezisofficial

Nadia Sheikh - a half British, half Spanish singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We dive into Nadia's music world, which includes seeing Avril Lavigne live on stage at the age of 12, which inspired her to follow a path in music. She also explains what a 'vomit demo' is, and the approach to writing songs in English and translating them into Spanish. Website - www.nadiasheikh.com Instagram - @nadiasheikhmusic Facebook - @nadiasheikhmusic Twitter - @NadiaSheikh_ TikTok - @nadiasheikhmusic YouTube - @nadiasheikhmusic

Randall Abrahams - a South African media and entertainment executive and television personality - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Randall takes us on his multi-decade journey in the industry, touching on his time in radio (Good Hope FM, YFM), being MD at Universal Music Africa, his experience being a judge on Idols SA, and about his latest collaboration with eNCA... the podcast - Both Sides. Website - www.enca.com Instagram - @randall.tv Facebook - @eNCAnews Twitter - @tv_randall YouTube - @encanews

Lavinia, an Italian-born and German-based rising dance music singer and songwriter, joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Lavinia tells us that it was her dream to go to the Olympics as an artistic gymnast, how she nearly ended up in a wheelchair from falling from the parallel bars, and how a year after the accident she found creating music was also a passion, which she pursued to chart-topping success. Instagram - @laviniahope TikTok - @lavinia_music YouTube - @laviniahope

Thuso Mbedu - a South African Emmy and Critics Choice Awards nominated actress - joins us from Los Angeles on this episode of Celeb Savant. Thuso explains the intention behind her performance is to bring healing through her craft, what she loves about portraying different characters, and how she researches for creating a character. We also hear all about her latest project, which is currently airing on Showmax - Task. Instagram - @thuso.mbedu Facebook - @tsonokwanda Twitter - @ThusoMbedu TikTok - @thuso.mbedu

Gemma Marinus - creative arts educational leader - joins us live in studio on this episode of Celeb Savant. She tells us about her journey in the industry, which includes performing on stage in productions such as Mamma Mia, and how her passion for teaching allowed her to transition into that space. We also hear about Stageworx, the performing arts school that she opened, and more about 'Born to Perform' 2025. This episode of Celeb Savant was recorded live in studio at Solid Gold Podcasts, Johannesburg, South Africa. Website - www.stageworx.co.za www.montecasino.co.za Instagram - @stageworx_ @howard_audio Facebook - @stageworxperformingarts @HowardMusicSA @gemmalouisedonnelly @montecasino Twitter - @montecasinoza YouTube - @howardmusic1 LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-marinus-227900231

Jai McDowall - a Scottish singer, songwriter, and Britain's Got Talent winner - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear how Jai auditioned three times for X Factor UK, and as a last resort auditioned for Britain's Got Talent, how winning BGT in 2011 has allowed him to have a career in the industry, and more about what he is currently doing, which includes just having finished collaborating with G4. Website - www.jaimcdowallofficial.com Instagram - @jai_mcdowall Facebook - @JaiMcDowallMusic Twitter - @jai_mcdowall YouTube - @jaimcdowallmusic

Robin S - an American singer, artist, and dance icon - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Robin tells us about her first professional gig performing with a band… which helped her hone her craft as an entertainer, and the reason behind her stage name. We also discuss what the audience's perception of artists are, and more on her upcoming tour to South Africa in September/October 2025. Website - www.iamrobins.com Instagram - @iamtherobins Facebook - @officialrobins Twitter - @iamtherobins

Run Remedy, an American-born, UK-based singer and songwriter, joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. She tells us how she chose her stage name, how she started out playing violin in orchestra tours until an injury forced her to change her path, and how her debut album, Xtian Skate Night, focused on her coming out story and the conflict that arose from that, forcing her to leave her church. Website - www.runremedy.com Instagram - @runremedy Facebook - @runremedy Twitter - @runremedy TikTok - @runremedy YouTube - @runremedy8450

Eric Roberson - an American singer, songwriter, producer, Grammy, and BET Award nominee - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear how Eric deals with the hectiness of being on the road, how the failures and challenges have helped shape his success, and why he calls the current music business 'the attention business'. Website - www.ericrobersonmusic.com Instagram - @erro44 Facebook - @BlueErroSoul Twitter - @iamericroberson TikTok - @iamericroberson YouTube - @BlueErroSoul

Claire Johnston - lead vocalist of the South African band Mango Groove - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear about Claire's journey, how she met and joined the band, what challenges they faced being a multi-racial band during apartheid in South Africa, how she has navigated the ups and downs of the industry, and more about the upcoming 40th anniversary concert in Johannesburg. Website - www.mangogroove.co.za Instagram - @mangogrooveofficial @clairejohnstonofficial Facebook - @Mango.Groove @mango.groove1 YouTube - @MangoGrooveOfficial

David Starr - an American singer, songwriter, and master guitarist - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. David tells us about his multi-decade career in the music industry, which includes starting off being a singing drummer. He also explains how he turned to guitar, why he continues to make music, and more about his creative process. Website - www.davidstarrmusic.com Instagram - @davidstarrmusic Facebook - @DavidStarrMusic Twitter - @davidstarrmusic TikTok - @davidstarr_music YouTube - @DavidStarrMusic

Maya Amolo - Kenyan singer, songwriter, producer and 'one to watch' - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Maya tells us how her professional career started when a colleague of a producer heard her singing in the bathroom at the studio. We also discuss her creative process and her thoughts about social media. Instagram - @mayaamolo Twitter - @mayaamolo TikTok - @themayaamolo YouTube - @mayaamolo

Rouge - a South African rapper, songwriter, singer, actress, SAFTA, SAMA, and South African Hip Hop Awards winner - joins us live in studio for this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear how she chose her stage name, more about the ups and downs of her journey, her unusual creative process and why it's taken 7 years for her to release her sophomore album - Milk and Honey. This episode of Celeb Savant was recorded live in studio at Solid Gold Podcasts, Johannesburg, South Africa. Instagram - @rouge_rapper Facebook - @RougeRapper Twitter - @Rouge_Rapper TikTok - @rouge_rapper YouTube - @Rougerapper

Rachael Sage - an American singer, songwriter, and founder of Indie label MPress - joins us for a second time on this episode of Celeb Savant. We find out what Rachael has been up to since we last spoke, which includes her co-headlining tour with Kristen Ford. We also hear how she learned how not to worry about what other people think about her, and about her latest album - Canopy. Website - www.rachaelsage.com Instagram - @rachael_sage Facebook - @rachaelsagepage Twitter - @rachaelsage TikTok - @rachaelsage YouTube - @rachaelsage

The High Kings - an Irish platinum-selling folk group's members Brian Dunphy and Paul O'Brien - join us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear about the origins of the band's name, how the band was formed, how they play 15 instruments between the four members (along with Finbarr Clancy and Darren Holden)… and more about their upcoming tour of Australia. Website - www.thehighkings.com Instagram - @thehighkingsofficial Facebook - @thehighkings Twitter - @TheHighKings TikTok - @thehighkingsofficial YouTube - @TheHighKingsOfficial